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  • 🦅 Birds on the hunt| Sports Daily Newsletter

    🦅 Birds on the hunt| Sports Daily Newsletter

    Lincoln Financial Field is one of the toughest stadiums for a road team to play at in the NFL.

    While the Giants came up with a 34-17 win over the Eagles in Week 6, New York has yet to win a road game this season, and it might stay that way heading to Philadelphia in a rematch on Sunday afternoon.

    Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart will experience what it’s like to play at the Linc for the first time, and his teammates have been trying to prepare him for the hostile crowd.

    Since their trip to MetLife Stadium, where they suffered maybe their worst loss of the season, the Birds snapped a two-game losing streak, thanks largely to DeVonta Smith.

    The 26-year-old led the team with a career-high 183 yards and a touchdown on nine receptions last week in a win over the Vikings. No matter how hard Smith gets hit with his 6-foot, 170-pound frame, “he pops back up like he’s the biggest guy,” teammate Jahan Dotson says.

    As an undersized receiver, Smith has been proving people wrong his entire football career. And the grittiness he once exhibited as a kid is evident in his game today.

    On defense, Vic Fangio is still searching for a counterpart to Quinyon Mitchell. Jakorian Bennett likely will be activated ahead of Sunday’s game. Given the team’s struggles at the position, he sees an opportunity.

    Before we part for the weekend, make sure to check out The Inquirer’s soccer coverage as the Union face Chicago on Sunday (5:30 p.m., FS1) in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs.

    — Isabella DiAmore, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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    ❓What are your Eagles-Giants predictions? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

    ‘He’s one of a kind’

    Blue Jays rookie pitcher Trey Yesavage speaks to the media on Thursday ahead of his Game 1 start against the Dodgers in the World Series on Friday in Toronto.

    Pottstown’s Trey Yesavage will start Game 1 of the World Series against the Dodgers. What the 22-year-old has done this year has never been done before. Just over 15 months ago, the right-hander, who graduated from Boyertown Area High School, was drafted 20th overall out of East Carolina University. He opened his first professional season in March with Toronto’s low-A affiliate, the Dunedin Blue Jays. And on Friday, he will be the youngest player to start a World Series game since 2010.

    What we’re …

    🏀 Remembering: VJ Edgecombe making history on Wednesday, when he dropped 34 points in his NBA debut.

    🤔 Wondering: What the Giants are saying about the Eagles ahead of their rematch at the Linc.

    🏒Following: Owen Tippett’s hot start to open the Flyers’ season and setting the tone.

    📖 Reading: A mourning Roman Catholic coach and his family find solace in their football community.

    Historic debut

    Sixers guard VJ Edgecombe received praised for his calm approach to his first NBA game.

    There were no jitters, butterflies, or even a restless night for VJ Edgecombe in his NBA debut against the Boston Celtics Wednesday night at TD Garden. The 6-foot-4 combo guard poured in 34 points, marking the third-highest scoring debut in league history, to help the Sixers beat the Celtics, 117-116. Here’s what he said postgame: “From a team standpoint, we got the win, which matters the most.”

    After the game, players were amazed to learn that the last time the Sixers started 1-0 was during the 2021-22 season. The Sixers opened last season with two straight losses and dropped 12 of their first 14 games. They never recovered and finished with the league’s fifth-worst record at 24-58. Now, they’re focused on opening with consecutive victories for the first time since 2020-21.

    The Sixers will entertain the Charlotte Hornets in Saturday’s home opener before hosting the Orlando Magic on Monday.

    Familiar faces

    Sean Couturier (left) and Claude Giroux played 11 seasons together with the Flyers.

    The Senators have several familiar faces who skated on Thursday night. Of course, there is Claude Giroux, the former Flyers captain, Nick Cousins, and Olle Lycksell, who was in Philly last season. The head coaches, Rick Tocchet and Travis Green, also are friends and former teammates. “It’s always going to be special playing against Philly.”

    The Flyers got off to a fast start, thanks to Tyson Foerster’s goal, but Ottawa scored goals in each of the first two periods to snap the Orange and Black’s two-game winning streak.

    Up next, the Flyers host the Islanders on Saturday (12:30 p.m., NBCSP).

    Sports snapshot

    Baptiste Masotti (left) watches Aly Abou El Einen return the ball during the 2025 Comcast Business U.S. Open Squash Championships on Tuesday at the Arlen Specter US Squash Center in Philadelphia.
    • Center stage: The biggest squash event in America is this week at the Specter Center in University City.
    • Better together: Syracuse coach Fran Brown and defensive coordinator Elijah Robinson shared a dream of being on the same sideline.
    • College football: In this week’s roundup, we’re giving Temple its praise. Penn and Villanova also have been on a roll.
    • Sports betting bust: Here’s everything you need to know about Terry Rozier, Chauncey Billups, and cash handoffs in Philly.
    Gameday Central: Eagles at Vikings

    Tune in Sunday at 11:30 a.m. as The Inquirer’s Olivia Reiner and Jeff McLane preview the Eagles’ rematch with the New York Giants.

    David Murphy’s take

    Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups were both arrested Thursday in separate gambling investigations.

    The most important indictment announced Thursday wasn’t the one that laid out the charges against NBA guard Terry Rozier for his alleged role in a prop-bet-fixing scheme or the one that detailed NBA head coach Chauncey Billups’ alleged involvement in rigging illegal poker games. The important indictment was the metaphorical one handed down against the NBA itself. For embracing legalized sports gambling. For partnering with online sportsbooks like DraftKings. For prioritizing profit over the integrity of the game, writes columnist David Murphy.

    We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Jeff Neiburg, Olivia Reiner, David Murphy, Devin Jackson, Lochlahn March, Kerith Gabriel, Ethan Kopelman, Alex Coffey, Keith Pompey, Jackie Spiegel, Rob Tornoe, Gabriela Carroll, Max Marin, Ryan W. Briggs, and Sean McKeown.

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

    Thanks for reading and have a great weekend. Jim will be back in your inbox on Monday. — Bella

  • 🏈 Coaching for more | Sports Daily Newsletter

    🏈 Coaching for more | Sports Daily Newsletter

    Today, we’re switching it up.

    Instead of harping on one of the five major sports in town, we’re focusing on high school level for a story of how sports saved one man, not once — but twice.

    Roman Catholic head football coach Rick Prete has found joy through football. It guided him after his return from Iraq in 2009, where he served as an Army infantryman. Now, it’s healing the wounds he suffered just last year after losing his daughter in an auto accident.

    But this story isn’t about how football offers an escape; it’s about how the sport has shaped Prete into a rock for the rest of his family, both immediate and the boys who give their all for him on the gridiron.

    Inquirer writer Alex Coffey delivers this fantastic story for your reading pleasure. We’ll caution that it’s a deep read, so get your coffee and get settled in.

    That cup of Joe serves a dual purpose as it’ll hopefully warm you up, as temperatures are only supposed to creep into the high 50s across the region today.

    — Kerith Gabriel, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

    Editor’s note: We’re sending this morning’s Sports Daily a little late after contending with some technical challenges. We apologize for the delay.

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    ❓Do you have or know a coach who was an inspiration? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

    Edgecombe’s big debut

    Sixers guard VJ Edgecombe had a stellar NBA debut, producing 34 points, seven rebounds and three assists.

    The Sixers started their season off with a bang, beating the Celtics in Boston, 117-116, behind big games from Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.

    The Sixers appear to have a dynamic duo in the backcourt as Maxey and Edgecombe combined to produce 74 points in the season-opening win, but Joel Embiid was limited to just four points on 1-of-9 shooting.

    “I’m good,” Embiid said after the game. “You know, it’s going to take a while, obviously, being on a minute restriction, playing shorter stints, it’s harder to kind of get into a rhythm. But I got to figure it out. That’s the way they got it set up.”

    Edgecombe’s debut was historic. His 14 points in the opening quarter set an NBA record for the most points in the first quarter of an NBA debut, surpassing LeBron James’ 12 points in 2003. It also set a Sixers franchise record for points scored in an NBA debut.

    Up next: The Sixers will host the Charlotte Hornets for their home opener on Saturday (7:30 p.m., NBCSP).

    Bad things come in threes

    Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown missed Wednesday’s practice with a hamstring injury.

    As the Eagles kicked off preparations for the New York Giants at home this Sunday (1 p.m., Fox 29), they were noticeably down a few starters, most notably A.J. Brown.

    Brown, who was left out of Wednesday’s practice, stood on the sideline in a sweatshirt alongside Dom DiSandro during the brief portion of practice open to the media on Wednesday. The reason why the Eagles target receiver is being sidelined was unknown until it was revealed he’s suffering from a hamstring injury.

    He’s one of three starters listed as Cam Jurgens (knee) and Adoree’ Jackson (concussion) were also inactive participants. Olivia Reiner has more on Brown and what happens next.

    What we’re …

    🏀 Wondering: How Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey is (mentally) preparing for the 2025-26 season.

    📚 Reading: How Sam Coffey added honorary Philadelphian to her role as U.S. women’s national soccer team midfielder.

    😲 Taking in: What Sixers legend Allen Iverson had to say on the latest edition of New Heights.

    🏈 Learning: That on the same day he guided Temple to its most wins in quite some time, K.C. Keeler earned his 275th win in college football.

    🗣️ Reviewing: What national media pundits are saying about the Sixers.

    ‘Tipp’ of the iceberg

    Flyers winger Owen Tippett looks to be making a leap when it comes to his all-around play.

    Owen Tippett’s talent has never been up for debate. The 26-year-old winger combines breathtaking speed, a heavy shot, and tremendous power all into a 6-foot-1, 210-pound frame.

    But while Tippett has established himself as a solid NHL player and has hinted at an even higher ceiling since being acquired for Claude Giroux in 2022, he has yet to take the step that many expected, frustrating at times with his inconsistency.

    That might be changing, as the power forward is off to a scintillating start with five goals in six games under Rick Tocchet. Tippett has been a tempo setter on the ice for the Flyers this season, but as Jackie Spiegel writes, that’s not the only place where he’s taken on added responsibility this season.

    Phillies’ infield outlook for 2026

    Phillies president Dave Dombrowski said the Phillies’ infield is “pretty well solidified” with Bryson Stott, Bryce Harper, Alec Bohm and Trea Turner.

    While the Phillies are poised for some roster changes in 2026, at the moment, it doesn’t seem like those will occur in the infield.

    The Phillies’ outfield has been a revolving door for the past few seasons, but the infield continues to run it back. And according to Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski, that seems to be the plan again. At least, for now.

    But that doesn’t mean there aren’t questions for that group — and the prospects who could be part of the future — going into 2026.

    Let’s talk ball

    Gina Mizell and Keith Pompey break down the 2025 Sixers season

    Basketball is back. The Sixers are back. That means Gina Mizell and Keith Pompey breakdown what to expect this season — from roster shakeups to playoff hopes — on Gameday Central, your courtside seat to all things Sixers. Watch here.

    On this date

    Oct. 23, 1964: Philly boxing legend Joe Frazier won the Olympic heavyweight gold medal at the Summer Games in Tokyo following a defeat of German boxer Hans Huber.

    David Murphy’s take

    Sixers center Joel Embiid (left) with teammate Tyrese Maxey during Friday’s preseason game against Minnesota.

    “The Sixers have figured out the key to a stress-free life. You can’t let anybody down if they don’t have any expectations.” Read more from David Murphy right here.

    What you’re saying about the Sixers

    We asked: Can the Sixers be successful without Embiid and/or George playing every game?

    It’s sad, but … given past performances, the poor souls will again probably spend more time playing in the sick bay over in [Camden, New] Jersey than any moments on the court at Wells Fargo. Best we focus on building a new team by 2030 when B-ball is expected to return in Philly. — John B.

    We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Alex Coffey, Jeff Neiburg, David Murphy, Gina Mizell, Keith Pompey, Lochlahn March, Gabriela Carroll, Ariel Simpson, Jonathan Tannenwald, and Colin Schofield.

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

    Have a great day, Philly. We’re back tomorrow to get you ready for the weekend. — Kerith

  • Tipping off 🏀 | Sports Daily Newsletter

    Tipping off 🏀 | Sports Daily Newsletter

    The 76ers want to leave last season, when they finished with fifth-worst record in the NBA, behind them.

    Tonight, the start of a new chapter begins, as they’ll tip off the 2025-26 season against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden, and for the first time since February, Joel Embiid will play.

    It’s hard to know whether these Sixers will continue to be the product they fielded a season ago, when Embiid and Paul George spent more time in street clothes than jerseys and Tyrese Maxey struggled to score enough points to produce wins without a consistent costar.

    However, there’s been a mandate for change and a new identity. Maxey has felt responsible for setting that standard. To do that, the 24-year-old point guard has made an effort to connect with his teammates outside the facilities. And to play freely. And to speak up.

    “My spirits have to be high for this team and for this organization and for my game as well,” Maxey said. “I think that’s what I’ll do this year, and we’ll be better.”

    And in case you missed it, Gina Mizell broke down seven questions for the Sixers this season, which include VJ Edgecombe’s impact and Embiid and George’s health status.

    — Isabella DiAmore, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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    ❓Can the Sixers be successful without Embiid and/or George playing every game? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

    Didn’t want to retire

    Defensive end Brandon Graham retired earlier this year, but he’s coming back to help bolster the Eagles’ depleted pass rush.

    Brandon Graham is eyeing Week 10 against the Packers as his first game back after the 37-year-old defensive end announced Tuesday that he’s coming out of retirement to rejoin the Eagles. Howie Roseman reached out to Graham’s agent about returning to the team earlier in the season, but Graham wasn’t ready. Then came the news that Za’Darius Smith, whom Roseman signed to help bolster the edge rusher corps, was retiring. It led Graham to reconsider how he would respond if he was approached with another opportunity. Plus, the veteran feels like he has some “juice left.”

    What do you expect from Graham? We’ve seen in the past — from Reggie White to James Harrison to Tom Brady — that not all unretirements are created equally, and rejoining the NFL doesn’t always mean you pick up where you left off.

    Catching up with Schmidt

    Mike Schmidt (right) respects how Bryce Harper has managed to connect with Phillies fans.

    Forty-five years ago this week, the Phillies won their first World Series.

    At the center of it all, Michael Jack Schmidt.

    Schmidt went 8-for-21 with two homers and seven RBIs against the Royals and was named World Series MVP, a crowning achievement in his Hall of Fame career. But he badly needed that performance to change the narrative after several years’ worth of playoff disappointment, individually and for the team.

    On a recent edition of Phillies Extra, The Inquirer’s baseball show, Schmidt discussed how the 1980 Phillies finally got over the October hump. He also shared some thoughts on Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and Pete Rose’s potential Hall of Fame candidacy.

    ‘Snakebit’ no more

    Flyers right wing Travis Konecny has scored 30 goals in two of the last three years.

    Travis Konecny had heard enough of the questions about being “snakebit” and the fact that he had no goals through five games.

    So what did he do? He ended them by scoring his first goal of the season Monday night in the Flyers’ 5-2 win over the Seattle Kraken. But while he hadn’t scored until Monday, Konecny’s presence has been felt in other ways, as Jackie Spiegel writes.

    Speaking of that 5-2 win, the power play wasn’t the only positive for Rick Tocchet’s men. Here are our full takeaways, including a nod to a surprising combatant.

    Sports snapshot

    “It feels good to be back home, especially back in the Garden,” said Villanova’s Kevin Willard, who coached 12 seasons at Seton Hall.
    • New stage: Kevin Willard felt back at home during the Big East media day in New York, where his Villanova Wildcats were picked to finish seventh in a preseason poll.
    • The bid is in: Philadelphia is one of 30 U.S. cities interested in hosting games for the 2031 women’s World Cup.

    David Murphy’s take

    Sixers coach Nick Nurse during a preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 17.

    It would be a fitting twist if this was the year the Sixers finally lived up to the hype of the last decade. Daryl Morey has taken the brunt of the blame for the last couple of seasons, mostly because it was his name on the marquee. But for the first time, in a long time, the Sixers have the makings of a team that is, at the very least, a fun team to root for. How well that translate into wins is a different story, writes columnist David Murphy.

    Who said it?

    Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey get ready to open the Sixers’ 2025-26 season on Wednesday.

    The Sixers are entering this season with confidence behind a younger roster. Which player said this about their mindset?

    🧠 Trivia time answer

    Who is the Phillies’ career leader in postseason RBIs with 33?

    B) Ryan Howard — Steven A. was first with the correct answer.

    What you’re saying about Alec Bohm

    We asked: Should the Phillies follow through on an Alec Bohm trade this offseason? Among your responses:

    For whatever reason why would you want to trade Alec? He hits, he runs, he fields and he’s a great locker room guy. There are way too many others that should get their walking papers. Kepler, Castellanos,half of the bull pen just to mention a few. We have a good team but just not good enough to beat the Dodgers. Money buys talent and no team will ever outspend them. — Ronald R.

    I don’t think so, he is still young and once he came back from injury he was great. He should stay, get rid of Castellanos. — Stephanie M.

    Moving on from the best hitter we have seen in years. We should go all in on him for what he has done. Sucks we will probably lose hm, as money is going to be an issue going into this offseason. — Nicholas C.

    No. He’s a solid .280-.290, 90 rbi, 15 home run guy who plays a decent third base. Not that easy to replace. — Richard V.

    The biggest downside of trading Alec Bohm is that it’s questionable if the Phillies would improve themselves with any player in return. I say we stick with Bohm and my hunch is he’ll pay a higher dividend than expected next year. — Peter S.

    Absolutely not! What is with this obsession with trading Bohm? He’s still young, is a clutch hitter and nowadays .287 hitters don’t grow on trees. With everyone wanting to hit homeruns in today’s game a good contact hitter who can hit for average is somehow considered to be under-performing. The Phillies need to let him know he’s not going anywhere so he can 100% focus on continuing to improve his game instead of worrying about where he’ll be playing it. They also need to re-sign Ranger. The old axiom is true that good pitching beats good hitting and Ranger was one of the best this year. The Phillies are expecting him to get very high offers in the free agent market. There’s a reason for that. He’s a consistent proven winner. Pay him like he deserves and stop bringing in re-treads like Romano. — Bob A.

    The Phillies’ Alec Bohm reacts after striking out during NLDS Game 2 against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Oct. 6.

    Trading Bohm would be a huge mistake. For his performance on the field and at the plate, he is perhaps the best value on the team. And unlike the big three at the top of the lineup, he didn’t completely choke in the postseason. While he might be extra sensitive when he doesn’t play well, at least he seems to care! No complaining that the game is a grind and he’d rather at be home! Bohm has been – and will be again – an all star. — Beth B.

    I do not understand why they would even consider trading Bohm. He plays solid defense at third and is a consistent contact hitter. They certainly have issues to address with other players where an upgrade would make sense. — Kathy T.

    I really like Alec Bohm and think he has greatly improved his fielding over the years as well as becoming a good clutch hitter, but yes I would trade him in any attempt to bring in a power hitting right handed player. Matt Snell and others have shown time after time how vulnerable we are to good left handed pitching. Bohm only played 120 games and had 11 home runs and 59 rbi’s. This team definitely needs more than that from their right handed hitters. — Everett S.

    We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Gina Mizell, Keith Pompey, Scott Lauber, Olivia Reiner, David Murphy, Jackie Spiegel, Jeff Neiburg, and Jonathan Tannenwald.

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

    As always, thanks for reading! Happy Wednesday and have a wonderful day. Kerith will be in your inbox tomorrow. — Bella

  • You be the general manager | Sports Daily Newsletter

    You be the general manager | Sports Daily Newsletter

    As the Dodgers prepare to open defense of their World Series title on Friday against the Blue Jays, Phillies fans are forced to look ahead to next season. (Unless they want to see more of the all-time greatness that is Shohei Ohtani, who is certainly worth watching.)

    There will be changes next season, for sure. Nick Castellanos is not expected to be back, and there’s a chance the Phillies could have an entirely new outfield. Alec Bohm is sure to hear more trade rumors. Also, it is unlikely that the team will bring back both Kyle Schwarber and Ranger Suárez, two free agents.

    So who will stay and who will be gone by the time the Phillies open the 2026 season on March 26 against the Texas Rangers? Phillies beat writers Scott Lauber and Lochlahn March have made their decisions and now it’s time to make your picks. Join us for a round of Stay or Go. Finding it hard to decide? We’ll show you how other Inquirer readers have voted so far and what we think the team will do.

    (To those Sports Daily readers who thought Rob Thomson should move on: The Phillies brass voted Stay on that one, as you know.)

    — Jim Swan, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    ❓Should the Phillies follow through on an Alec Bohm trade this offseason? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

    A dodging Dart

    Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart scrambles during his team’s win against the Eagles on Oct. 9.

    Mobile quarterbacks have given the Eagles problems this season. Patrick Mahomes scrambled for 66 yards against them in September and even Carson Wentz escaped for 28 yards on two scrambles on Sunday. Which brings us to Jaxson Dart. The Giants rookie scrambled five times for 42 yards and a touchdown in a 34-17 upset of the Birds on Oct. 9 and now the Eagles get to face him again.

    Jalen Carter will be back in lineup Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field after he sat out the last meeting with the Giants, which should help. But the Eagles simply have to tackle better, writes Olivia Reiner, who examines other keys to the game as well. The Birds might have something cooking with play-action passes, but they need to keep Giants edge rusher Brian Burns in check.

    Some help at edge rusher will be coming down the road for the Eagles with the addition of Brandon Graham. The veteran defensive end will come out of retirement to rejoin the team, league sources told The Inquirer.

    The Eagles opened as seven-point favorites against the Giants.

    In case you missed it, Saquon Barkley and the running game stayed stuck in the mud, but Jalen Hurts, DeVonta Smith, and A.J. Brown made sure that didn’t matter, Jeff McLane writes.

    A changed Embiid?

    Sixers center Joel Embiid shooting over Johnny Juzang of the Timberwolves during a preseason game on Friday.

    Joel Embiid has been the focal point of the Sixers’ offense for years, but the big man was singing a different tune after his preseason debut on Friday. “I’m here to help,” Embiid said after he finished with 14 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and three steals against the Timberwolves. “According to a lot of your peers [in the media], I’m not even a top-100 basketball player in the league. So I guess I’ve just got to fit in and see where I can help the team win basketball games. So, if that’s playing defense and stretching the floor, that’s what I’m going to do.”

    Embiid, 31, has had two knee surgeries in the last 14 months, so maybe a different approach makes sense, Keith Pompey writes.

    The Sixers seem to be getting healthier heading into the season opener Wednesday at Boston. Nearly every player on the roster practiced Monday, including Embiid and Paul George.

    Goals aplenty

    Flyers wing Nikita Grebenkin (29) fights Seattle’s Cale Fleury during the first period Monday.

    Owen Tippett and Tyson Foerster each scored two goals in the Flyers’ 5-2 victory over the Kraken, handing Seattle its first regulation loss of the season.

    Coach Rick Tocchet gave Egor Zamula another chance to play against the Kraken.

    ‘The real deal’

    Villanova guard Acaden Lewis goes to the hoop past VCU’s Brandon Jennings during the exhibition game on Sunday.

    Villanova offered a sneak peek at new coach Kevin Willard’s Wildcats in a 70-51 exhibition win against Virginia Commonwealth. VCU coach Phil Martelli Jr., a guy with some Big 5 chops, was impressed.

    “That Lewis kid is the real deal,” Martelli said of freshman guard Acaden Lewis, who scored 15 points. “He’s going to be a problem for a lot of people.”

    Sports snapshot

    United States Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone announcing the bid for the 2031 women’s World Cup.

    🧠 Trivia time

    Who is the Phillies’ career leader in postseason RBIs with 33? First with the correct answer here will be featured in the newsletter.

    A) Shane Victorino

    B) Ryan Howard

    C) Bryce Harper

    D) Chase Utley

    What you’re saying about Brandon Graham

    Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham with Travis Kelce after the victory over the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX.

    We asked: Do you think Brandon Graham should come out of retirement and join the Eagles? Among your responses:

    No Brandon, don’t do it. You’re enjoying retirement and have several opportunities you’re capitalizing on. Not worth the risk of another injury. You had your time, did a great job, enjoy retirement. — Tom G.

    Hard NO! Graham is an Eagles Legand who is now past his prime and was holding on faintly to make the team in the last 3 years. His health, wealth and mental capacity is in a good place. Sometimes players don’t know how to walk away and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Take the blessings you have been given and use your talents to help others throughout the community in other tangible ways. Good luck in your retirement! — William M.

    Brandon Graham one of our most popular Eagles ever and 37 years old probably should not, but if the team and the medical team think he is physically fit to do so and he is truly committed then OK. Vic’s defense that is certainly not the one that made Mahomes look like a high school QB could probably use him. — Everett S.

    I do not. I miss his spirit with the team, but he has had more than his share of injuries and is probably not in shape for football. He needs to enjoy his retirement in one piece. — Kathy T.

    Absolutely! He and JK were invaluable in the locker room as well as on the field. — Ray G.

    Yes — Richard V., Glenn P.

    No — Bob L.

    We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Scott Lauber, Lochlahn March, Jeff McLane, Jeff Neiburg, Olivia Reiner, Ariel Simpson, Jonathan Tannenwald, Keith Pompey, Jackie Spiegel, Dylan Johnson, Colin Schofield, and Kristen A. Graham.

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

    How many of our readers got the Dodge Dart reference? That’s all for today in Sports Daily. Thank you for reading. Bella will be at the newsletter controls on Wednesday. — Jim

  • Perfection from Hurts | Sports Daily Newsletter

    Perfection from Hurts | Sports Daily Newsletter

    Once again, the Eagles could not get their running game going yesterday against the Minnesota Vikings. Jalen Hurts and his wide receivers made sure that did not matter. Hurts threw for 326 yards, compiled a perfect passer rating of 158.3, and threw three long touchdown passes in a 28-22 victory.

    DeVonta Smith caught nine passes for a career-high 183 yards and a touchdown. And we likely will get no complaints this week from A.J. Brown, who had 121 receiving yards and two scores. Saquon Barkley managed only 44 yards on 18 carries, but the passing game picked up the slack.

    “Saquon is the best,” Hurts said. “I don’t want him to feel like he’s carrying that by himself. It is a group effort. Everyone is involved in that. Everyone has to look inward and say, ‘Well, how can we help get something going the way it needs to go?’ Offensively as a unit, as a team, it doesn’t matter how it looks. In hindsight, it’s about finding ways to win games. But we want to make sure all areas of our yard are green and in a good place.” Jeff McLane has his grades on the game.

    Whatever the Eagles needed against the Vikings, Hurts gave it to them, Mike Sielski writes. And they needed a lot.

    In a bit of concerning news for the offense, center Cam Jurgens left the game in the first quarter with a right knee injury.

    Against a Vikings offense that seemed to keep shooting itself in the foot, Vic Fangio’s defense bent but did not break. It helped to get a huge play from linebacker Jalyx Hunt, who picked off Carson Wentz and returned the ball 42 yards for a touchdown. Moro Ojomo and Joshua Uche sacked Wentz in two more big plays for the Birds.

    The Vikings had a unique way of trying to stop the Tush Push, which came to light during Fox’s broadcast.

    More coverage from Sunday’s Eagles win can be found here

    — Jim Swan, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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    ❓Do you think Brandon Graham should come out of retirement and join the Eagles? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

    Back for more?

    Brandon Graham’s March retirement might only last seven months.

    The Eagles’ corps of edge rushers took another hit Sunday when Azeez Ojulari went down with a hamstring injury in the first half and never returned. Perhaps help is on the way, though. Defensive end Brandon Graham, 37, is considering ending his retirement after seven months and rejoining the Eagles, league sources told The Inquirer. An ESPN report said Graham was “strongly considering” it.

    He can handle it

    Sixers rookie VJ Edgecombe poured in 26 points and even played on the ball some in the Sixers preseason finale.

    The 76ers figured they were getting an athletic wing with elite defensive skills when they drafted VJ Edgecombe third overall in the NBA draft. Turns out, they might have picked up a more complete package.

    The Sixers entrusted Edgecombe with handling the ball Friday in a preseason victory against Minnesota and the rookie looked good in that role. “He makes good decisions,” says Tyrese Maxey, who was freed up to score with Edgecombe on the ball.

    Maybe Paul George will be in the mix for the Sixers soon, too. Coming back from knee surgery in July, George “looked good” in a full practice yesterday, coach Nick Nurse said.

    Tippett’s flying start

    Owen Tippett leads the Flyers with three goals this season.

    Noah Cates scored the decisive goal for the Flyers on Saturday in a 2-1 overtime victory against the Minnesota Wild. Afterward, Cates raved about teammate Owen Tippett. “He can be a one-man show with his speed,” Cates said. Tippett showed his speed and more as he scored his third goal of the season. Goalie Dan Vladař also made a big impression, Jackie Spiegel writes in her takeaways from the game.

    Meanwhile, 20-year-old star Matvei Michkov played only 12 minutes, 7 seconds against the Wild, sitting out the end of regulation and all of overtime. Coach Rick Tocchet explains why Michkov wound up on the bench.

    Starting over

    Penn State tailback Kaytron Allen rushed for 145 yards and two touchdowns in the loss to Iowa.

    Penn State’s comeback effort ran out of gas Saturday in a 25-24 loss to Iowa, dropping the Nittany Lions to 0-4 in the Big Ten. The Nittany Lions showed fight under interim coach Terry Smith, though.

    “I think our guys played hard. I think our guys left it out there,” Smith said. “They gave everything they had. There was no one who didn’t give great effort. We just have to execute.”

    Meanwhile, in a 49-14 rout of Charlotte, Temple posted its first conference road win since 2019.

    Penn remained unbeaten in the Ivy League by beating Columbia, 35-21.

    Sports snapshot

    Union manager Bradley Carnell raises the Supporters’ Shield after his team’s clinching win on Oct. 4.

    On this date

    Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski with coach Dick Vermeil.

    Oct. 20, 1985: Kenny Jackson scored on a 36-yard touchdown pass from Ron Jaworski in the fourth quarter to lift the Eagles past the Dallas Cowboys, 16-14, at Veterans Stadium.

    Who said it?

    Brandon Graham

    Brandon Graham is weighing a possible return to the Eagles after a seven-month retirement. One member of the Eagles defense talked about how much he misses the veteran defensive end. Can you tell who said the above? Check your answer here.

    We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Olivia Reiner, Jeff McLane, Jeff Neiburg, Gabriela Carroll, Mike Sielski, Keith Pompey, Jackie Spiegel, Jonathan Tannenwald, Sean McKeown, Greg Finberg, and Ryan Mack.

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

    Thank you for reading, as always. I’ll see you in Tuesday’s newsletter. — Jim Swan